Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2021

Winemaking
Crafted from hand-selected parcels in the famed Gimblett Gravels district, this Reserve Syrah represents the pinnacle of Villa Maria’s Hawke’s Bay reds. The 2021 vintage offered excellent conditions, yielding concentrated fruit with perfect ripeness and balance. Fermentation in open-top vessels and ageing in French oak barrels (a portion new) have brought together power and poise in equal measure.

Bouquet
Beautifully perfumed with lifted notes of black cherry, blueberry, and plum alongside black pepper, violet, and subtle oak spice. Aromatic and inviting with classic cool-climate lift.

Palate
Medium to full-bodied with a silky mouthfeel and firm structure. Dark fruits lead the way, followed by graphite, savoury herbs, and spice. The finish is long, dry, and sophisticated.

Food Pairing
A natural companion for grilled lamb, venison loin, black olive tapenade, or smoky eggplant. Versatile enough for fine dining or elevated home cooking.

Cellaring
Drinking well now with a decant, but will reward cellaring over the next 8–10 years as it gains complexity and secondary nuance.

Interesting Fact
The Gimblett Gravels is a former riverbed of the Ngaruroro River—its free-draining soils and warm days are ideal for Syrah, making this one of the most celebrated terroirs in the Southern Hemisphere.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%